North Male
When choosing where to relax in the Maldives, many people stop by North Male, the main atoll on which the airport and the capital are located.
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Beaches
Almost the entire coast here, as elsewhere in the Maldives, is the perfect beach. There are a little more boats here, but there are still no traces of pollution. The beaches are not busy, under palm trees you can wait out the heat. Most of the beaches belong to hotels, but there is one public one on the island of Villingili, west of Male, to which a ferry leads from the capital. Quite a popular place with locals and tourists who want a less resort holiday.
Attractions
The capital has several architectural and cultural attractions – the tombs of Meduziyarai, the Muliaage Palace, the Tomb of Muhammad Takurufanu, as well as several mosques. It is also worth noting that in fact there are no other cities on the islands.
If you get tired of the city, you can visit the Himmafushi atoll, which looks like a large souvenir market, or Medufinola with virgin nature. But the real attraction is the underwater world of the atoll with underwater caves, coral reefs and exotic reefs. There is even a whole reserve here – the Banana Reef, and the coral reef off Helengeli Island is no less beautiful.
From entertainment, in addition to diving, surfing, water skiing, yachting, fishing, etc. are available, in general, everything related to a beach holiday. Of course, there are various sports grounds, gyms, tennis courts and more. If you want something more peaceful and secluded, then you can visit one of the spas or massage rooms.
Shopping
Most of the goods can be found at the Singapore Bazaar in the capital Male. Basically, souvenirs are sold there, although there are several large supermarkets and shopping centers in the city.
Ari
This atoll is located at a distance of one hundred kilometers from Male airport, one of the largest islands in the archipelago. Bridges are thrown between almost all atolls, and you can walk around the islands on foot or by bike.
Beaches
As elsewhere, there are a lot of beaches here. Basically, a whole atoll is considered a single beach. Dhigurah is very good – a long island with a deserted beach and a wide sandy spit. From here it is good to watch whale sharks, there are several inexpensive cafes and shops, due to which the rest is quite cheap.
The frequent island of Vilamendho also has a nice beach with bungalows off the coast, palm trees and white sand, with good snorkeling. Another popular island-hotel Halaveli in the northern part of the atoll, with perfect beaches. The breakwater protects the island – this one spoils the view, but it provides a calm bathing.
Attractions
Most of the attractions here are natural – luxurious vegetation and snow-white beaches and coral reefs. Particularly good underwater caves and numerous reserves, such as Kudara-Tila, Maya-Tila and others. Ordinary reefs are also good, for example, Kalahandi-Khura with interesting underwater terrain and gray sharks.
There are other attractions – Kuramati, where Thor Heyerdahl excavated, Kudofoludu with a huge banbyana tree, Mathiveri Island with a mosque built by the first Maldivian sultan, or ancient Buddhist buildings on the island of Thodu.
Of the entertainment in Ari hotels, evenings of traditional Maldivian dances are sometimes arranged. You can have a nice rest on the island of Dhangeti – the cultural center of South Ari.
Shopping
There are no special shops on Ari, but souvenirs are sold almost everywhere – shark jaws, shells and others. They also sell good coconut oil, Ceylon tea and Indian spices.
Laviani
One of the most picturesque islands in the archipelago, it consists mainly of small islands inside the atoll.
Beaches
One of the best beaches is the island of Kanuhura, with a large number of coral reefs off the coast. Another romantic spot to the west of Kuredu is a sandbar that glows bluish at night due to microorganisms. The beaches on other islands are also very clean and beautiful.
Attractions
The main attraction of the atoll is its colorful underwater world. At a depth of 30 meters, there are two sunken ships covered with corals. There are also many interesting underwater caves with turtles under the waters of Kuredu Island, and Nun Atoll is very beautiful and has colorful colors.
Excursions to small uninhabited islands with wild greenery and gorgeous sandy beaches are also often organized.
Baa
A long atoll with the most famous and beautiful hotels, which are popular with both ordinary tourists and divers.
Beaches
The beaches of Fulhadhoo are especially popular with very rich vegetation, expensive hotels and small villages with a local population. If you like corals, Foniagoudou Beach is the place to be. Landaa Beach at the Four Seasons Hotel promises the most luxurious vacation. Of the relatively inexpensive beaches, Daravandhoo Island can be distinguished with white sand, palm trees and a bikini swimming area. Some of the beaches here are also glowing – the most beautiful of them is Mudhdhoo Island.
Attractions
The entire atoll is included in the UNESCO list due to underwater and surface natural masterpieces. You can visit the Hanifaru Bay Marine Reserve, where giant manta rays and whale sharks live. If you are looking for where to relax in the Maldives to swim underwater, then local dive sites are a great place – Digali Haa, Milaidoo Reef, Madi Finlohu with black corals and much more.
If you don’t feel like diving, you can go to the island of Olkhugiri with lush vegetation and nesting of large frigates.
Siinu
It is an atoll exactly on the equator, quite far from Male, with villages, diving areas, beaches and even a highway – a serious rarity for this tropical paradise.
Beaches
Mostly local beaches belong to hotels – the best at Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa, Water Villa and Beach Villa beach.
Attractions
The main local attractions are dive sites. You should definitely swim to the 140-meter British Loyalty tanker, which sank here in 1944. Through the holes you can easily get inside.
From entertainment available windsurfing, fishing at night, helicopter tours, water safaris and much more.